Artist's residencies are important times for reflection, inspiration and unbroken work time. They usually last for at least a month and include the company of several other artists. The Sunny Point residency was only 10 days long and I was there by myself. Short, intense studio time with several opportunities to connect with new people and places, perfect for the LEAP 366 Project! Sunny Point is on Keuka Lake, one of New York State's eleven, beautiful Finger Lakes. The residency was born out of love and hardship. Annie Smith willed it to the Yates County Arts Center in 2007 after a struggle with cancer that spanned 20 years. Annie was an Art History professor at Sheridan College in Canada. She also published several books including,'Getting into Art History' and 'Bearing Up with Cancer', featuring her signature doodle, a cartoon bear. The cottage and studio had drawings of the bear here, there and everywhere. In the bathrooms, the Bear reminded me to use, 'one ply toilet paper only. Delicate country plumbing'. The book, 'Bearing Up with Cancer', was there too. I ignored it for the first few days figuring it would be a depressing read but when people kept saying, 'read it', I finally did. Like most of you reading this post, I have lost too many dear people in my life to cancer so the prospect of being entertained by this book was nil. Well, I was wrong! Yes it was sad but Annie's outlook on life and the effect she had on the people around her was infectious. My favorite part was when she somehow managed to tape two candy bars and a note to her stomach while waiting for one of her numerous surgeries. Imagine the surgeon's surprise! You have to love her sense of humor. Annie wrote, " At the barn, I could stare at the water and sky and reflections, listen to the birds and wind and waves, smell lilacs, and fresh cut grass, and relish the joys of nature. I was at my healing place". I left a small painting at the cottage of a view I enjoyed while sitting on the dock. I like to image she enjoyed this very same view. Thank you Annie Smith for allowing me to create in your, "healing place".
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